03 Dec 2024
Passengers can now experience First Class for less on selected Transport for Wales (TfW) services thanks to a new partnership with Seatfrog.
Seatfrog enables customers to buy or bid for First Class upgrades, meaning they could secure the best in comfort, hospitality and customer service at a fraction of the normal cost.
It’s now available on some of TfW’s most popular journeys between Cardiff and Holyhead and Cardiff and Manchester.
Johnathan Jones, Head of Network Growth at TfW, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Seatfrog to offer our customers the chance to experience First Class travel at a great price.”
If you’re already travelling this festive season on applicable routes, but you’ve already secured your Standard ticket, you can upgrade to First Class on the day on-board via the Train Manager, or book ahead by purchasing your First Class upgrades for less on Seatfrog.
Iain Griffin, CEO of Seatfrog, commented: "We’re excited to join forces with Transport for Wales to give their passengers an affordable and easy way to upgrade to First Class. This partnership reflects our shared dedication to help people fall in love with taking the train, filling the network with happier passengers and growing a profitable rail category."
How does Seatfrog work?
- Download the Seatfrog app
After signing up to a Seatfrog account, enter your booking reference code when prompted, or use the Seatfrog train search feature, and the app will show you what upgrades are available for your journey.
- Place a bid or instantly upgrade
To participate in an auction: Select the number of seats you want and place your bid to enter the auction. It is free to take part in the auctions and you will only pay if you win.
To instantly upgrade: If you want a quick upgrade without the risk of being pipped to the post in an auction, use the Seatfrog app with the instant upgrade option.
- Upgrade your journey
Seatfrog will send your upgrade barcode straight to your phone. You must bring both your original ticket barcode and your First Class upgrade barcode for travel.
So, whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, use Seatfrog to upgrade your ticket for less.
Notes to editors
Terms and Conditions
- The number of available upgrades per train will be determined by the number of bookings made ahead for First Class tickets.
- A Seatfrog upgrade auction offer or instant upgrade can only be used by customers and accompanying travellers on the same booking reference with a valid ticket.
- Each Seatfrog upgrade is valid for a single person and is for the one-way journey on the set date and time only.
- Upgrades are not transferable.
- Customers travelling in a group on the same booking reference may participate in a Seatfrog auction to upgrade together. Any member of the group can register with Seatfrog and bid on a number of seats which they specify. Should the member win an auction, the specified number of upgrades will be issued to their device. Due to the last-minute nature of Seatfrog auctions we can't guarantee everyone in a group will sit together.
- Upon payment of the upgrade fee, customers are issued with First Class upgrade barcodes for the specified number of upgrades within the Seatfrog app. Each upgrade barcode issued to the customer’s mobile phone must be presented, along with a valid Standard Class ticket, to the Train Manager. Customers must also retain their original Standard Class tickets to pass through station gates. The First Class upgrade barcode is not valid unless accompanied by a valid Standard Class ticket.
- Seatfrog upgrades are verified by the Train Manager. If the customer can't produce a valid barcode on their mobile device, they will be charged the difference between the appropriate First Class fare and their current ticket fare. It is the customer's responsibility to make sure their mobile device is fully charged, as verification can take place at any point during the journey.
- The Seatfrog upgrade is non-refundable except where the customer can't travel because of TfW delays or train cancellation, or where First Class accommodation is unavailable.
- Refreshments and snacks are included in the Seatfrog upgrade, however, dining options come with an upgrade cost. For more information, see tfw.wales/ways-to-travel/rail/food-and-drink/first-class-dining
